Polish and Czech pilgrims on the Way of Saint James at the beginning of the 21st centuryThe Way of St. James is at present the most famous Christian pilgrimage route as well as the first European Cultural Route. An analysis of Polish and Slovak tours and pilgrimages to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela has shown an increase over the last decade in popularity of pilgrimages following the Way of Saint James among residents from these two Eastern and Central European countries. The number of Polish and Slovak “ de Compostela ” pilgrims increased seven-fold over the period 2004 – 2013. This was caused by a number of factors, most notably by the development of the Devotion to Saint James in many parishes, an increasing amount of information about the Way of Saint James in the mass media, individual promotion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage by individuals who had reached Compostela and had received a “ Compostela ” document as well as an increase in the number of low-cost airlines connecting Spain with Eastern and Central Europe. During the study period 2004 – 2013, more than 60 % of Polish and Slovak “Camino ” pilgrims declared religious reasons for their expeditions. Unlike in the case of the whole population of Camino pilgrims, non-religious motives for visiting the tomb of Saint James were only marginally significant for Poles and Slovaks ( 1.7 % and 2.4 %, respectively ). Poles and Slovaks usually make their pilgrimage on foot ( 87 % and 94 %, respectively ). However, the share of Polish and Slovak bicyclists who have reached Santiago de Compostela is quite the opposite ( 12.9 % and 5.75 %, respectively ). All data are for the 2004 – 2013 period. More than 50 % of Camino pilgrims from Poland and Slovakia are people between 30 and 60 years of age. The part of the pilgrimage route to the town of Compostela most often chosen by Polish and Slovak Camino pilgrims is the French Way ( Camino Francés ).
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